8. Continuing Your Education

Question 1

Purpose

Answer 1

The purpose of continuing education is for professionals to strengthen their knowledge, skills, and abilities related to their careers, as well as to stay current on new research findings and best practices.

Question 2

Requirements

Answer 2

In Florida, child care personnel are required to take at least ten hours of annual in-service training. This is a minimum requirement, which means professionals may choose to take more hours. There are many ways to continue your education. You can take courses offered by the Department or other training providers. You may choose to pursue an early childhood credential or degree.

Question 3

Florida Professional Development Registry

Answer 3

Every profession has a career ladder. It is important to understand the training requirements for each career on the ladder so you can plan accordingly. The Florida Professional Development Registry provides a framework for different levels of education that an early childhood professional might obtain. The purpose of the Registry is to help professionals plan their professional growth. The Florida Early Care and Education Career Pathway and Florida Core Competencies are very helpful in developing a professional development plan.

Question 4

T.E.A.C.H.

Answer 4

T.E.A.C.H. is a scholarship program to help child care professionals advance their credentials and degrees in early childhood education. This program is a three-way partnership for the sharing of expenses by the caregiver receiving the scholarship, the sponsoring child care center or family child care home, and T.E.A.C.H. The scholarship covers tuition, books, and other education-related expenses. Individuals who complete the requirements of their scholarship are eligible for bonuses.